Work Permit

Canada Work Permits — Your Gateway to Employment

📌 What is a Work Permit?

A Canadian work permit is an authorization granted by IRCC, allowing a foreign national to work temporarily in Canada. These permits are either employer-specific (closed)—requiring an LMIA—or open, which provide flexibility without a specific employer.

🧭 Who is Eligible?

All applicants must:

• Prove intent to leave Canada when the permit expires

• Have sufficient funds for themselves and dependents

• Be law-abiding, with clean criminal and security background

• Meet health standards (medical exam when required)

• Avoid unauthorized employers (e.g., non-compliant or “ineligible” employers, stripping/escort services, etc.)

Applications from inside Canada are allowed if you have:

• A valid study or work permit, or are awaiting PR, claiming refugee status, have refugee protection, or are CUSMA/CPTPP/FTA category workers

At entry points, visa-exempt travelers can apply for a work permit at a POE under certain conditions .

🔍 Pathways to Work Permits

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA-based)

• Employer applies for an LMIA to show no Canadians can fill the role

• Foreign worker uses LMIA + job offer letter to obtain the work permit

• Recent update: Wage thresholds increased nationwide effective June 27, 2025, altering whether a position qualifies as high- or low-wage

2. Open Work Permits (OWP)

• Spouses/common-law partners of specific work/study permit holders can apply for an OWP under new TEER 0/1 and select TEER 2–3 occupation eligibility as of Jan 21, 2025

• Policy update: OWP holders can continue to change jobs without waiting for a new permit—a temporary measure extended as of May 27, 2025

3. LMIA-Exempt Streams

• Includes categories under FTAs, international mobility, intra-company transfers, PGWP, etc.

• No LMIA needed; eligibility depends on specific programs.

⏳ Processing Times & Common Delays

• LMIA processing (for employer-specific): 58 to 165 business days (as of March 2025) – backlog reported

• Work and open work permits: Varies by category and visa office; can range from weeks to months.

• Note: Applicants on maintained status may continue working while waiting—but if permit expires before approval, work rights are lost

🧩 2025 Policy Highlights

• Wage Threshold Revision (June 27, 2025): Higher minimum wage for low/high‑wage classification under LMIA, impacting many job offers

• Temporary job mobility: Open work permit holders for employer‑specific positions can flexibly switch jobs during processing

• Stricter spouse OWP rules: Limited to TEER 0/1 or qualifying TEER 2/3 jobs; foreign worker must have ≥16 months remaining on their permit

✅ Our Proven Work Permit Approach

🚀 Next Steps

To streamline your work permit process and ensure compliance with evolving regulations:

1. ✅ Identify the right category — LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt

2. ✅ Review TEER classification, wage levels, and spouse OWP options

3. ✅ Prepare documentation and ensure maintained status

4. ✅ Explore PR bridging—like CEC or PNP—if staying long-term